The below are the proposed rules and regulations for the Waterbury Dog Park. Though it might seem a bit heavy-handed to impose so many rules on having a good time, they are necessary to insure the safety and well-being of all the humans and dogs who want to come out and play.
- Keep dogs on leashes at all
times except in designated “off-leash” areas. Dogs who are leashed may
feel threatened by free roaming dogs.
- “Off-leash” dogs must be under
voice control by their owners at all times. If voice control is not possible,
do not enter “off-leash” areas. Voice control enables owners to stop dogs
from misbehaving.
- Dog owners must have the leash
in hand at all times. In the event of problems, dog owners should be able
to quickly leash and remove their dogs from the premises.
- Dog owners must remain in the
park and keep their dog in view at all times, especially in “off-leash” areas.
No dog may be unattended. Unattended dogs are more likely to get into
trouble and stay in trouble than dogs who are being watched.
- All dogs must have up-to-date
vaccinations prior to entering the dog park. Keep a copy of current shot
records on hand for police or animal control officials. Dogs who are up to
date on vaccinations are less likely to spread certain communicable diseases.
- Dogs must have current rabies
and applicable license tags clipped to their collars at all times. Rabies
tags are a proof of vaccination, while license tags show compliance with state
and local laws.
- Puppies under four months of
age should not enter the park. Puppies under four months of age have not
received all of their vaccinations. They should be kept away from the dog park
for their own protection and that of other dogs.
- No infants or small children
are permitted in the dog park. Small children, especially running
children, may be regarded as prey animals by strange dogs. Dogs may also feel
the urge to protect children they know. This tends to cause aggressive
behavior.
- Owners are responsible for the
behavior of their animals. This eliminates some of the responsibility of
the dog park for damages caused by visiting dogs.
- Aggressive dogs are not
allowed in the park. Any dogs showing signs of aggression should be removed
from the premises. Aggressive dogs tend to engage in fighting behavior.
Any dog that engages in fighting and cannot be stopped by voice command does
not belong in the dog park.
- Female dogs in heat are not
permitted in the dog park. Female dogs in heat can cause aggression in
male dogs. Also, females in heat should be kept at home in order to prevent
unwanted puppies.
- Do not bring human or dog food
inside the park. Small dog treats may be permitted, depending on the dog park
or dog area. Obvious food can prompt aggressive behavior between dogs.
- Do not give treats to any dog
without the owner’s permission. Some dogs may have allergic reactions to
some treats.
- Do not bring any dog toys
inside the park. Dogs may claim toys that do not belong to them, which may
lead to aggressive behavior. Small toys may be a choking hazard to some dogs,
especially larger dogs.
- Owners must clean up any dog
droppings made by their pets. Bag all droppings before depositing them in
provided receptacles. Owners help keep the dog park clean and well
maintained by picking up after their pets.
- Owners must fill in any holes
made by their pets. Owners who fill in holes dug by their pets help
maintain the dog park.
-Prong, chain or spiked collars
should not be worn.
- Do not brush or otherwise
groom pets inside the park. Pet grooming often produces loose hair which
can soil the dog park.
- Training may not be permitted
in some dog parks. In those that do permit training, only licensed and insured
dog trainers will be permitted to do training.